May 2024
Central West Local Land Services
Drought conditions continue to improve for much of the region.
- The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows approximately 35% of the region being in the Drought Affected category at the end of May.
- There has been average to above average rainfall for most of the region. This has helped improve the underlying indicators in many areas and most of the region is in the Non-Drought or Recovery CDI category at the end of May.
- Good late autumn rainfall and warmer temperatures have seen high pasture growth rates coming into winter and ideal sowing conditions at some locations.
- Western parts of the region have struggled with challenging wet conditions impacting winter cropping programs and the late harvest of summer crops.
- Producers continue to monitor forecasts closely and implement drought management strategies as required for their farm enterprises coming into winter.
- The NSW DPI continues to closely monitor conditions in this region
Click on the scroll bar below the map to compare with previous months.
Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)
There has been a further decline in the plant greenness values since the last Update.
- Plant greenness levels are highly variable across the region.
- Rainfall totals were average for May and many areas still have below average levels of plant greenness.
- There are areas where pasture growth may be slowing and becoming dormant as cooler temperatures are experienced.
- Some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) are water bodies.
Click on the scroll bar below the map to compare with previous months.
Individual Drought Indicators
Drought indicators continue to respond to follow up rainfall across the region.
- Rainfall has been effective in improving plant growth and soil water indicators across the region, with further areas entering the Combined Drought Indicator’s Recovery or Non-Drought category over May.
- Further rainfall will aid the continued improvement in conditions.
- Producers continue to monitor conditions closely in conjunction with forecasts and outlooks entering winter.
To access a Drought History chart for your Parish, visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal
